Novak Djokovic has spoken out about his legacy as one of the tennis greats of all time, but he does not want to be remembered completely for all the titles and records.
In 2023, Djokovic was in top form and showed no signs of slowing down in his twilight years. Throughout the season, the 36-year-old won three of the four Grand Slams and reached the final at the only major he did not win at Wimbledon.
Ultimately, the Serbian veteran has had a career like no other, notching 24 Grand Slam titles in 21 years as a professional player, and he is still going today with the 2024 Australian Open in his sights.
However, when speaking to Sport Klub about his legacy, Djokovic was adamant that he wanted to be remembered for making the sport better rather than as one of the greatest of all time.
“I would like to be remembered as someone who used his platform and his status and influence as a top player to help improve the sport and the livelihood of fellow tennis players. That is something that really drives me, that’s one of my great wishes."
“Of course I would be like to be remembered as someone who devoted all his life to the sport, played the sport with his heart and his guts, that left it all out there, hopefully inspired a lot of younger people to grab a racquet. Yeah, and a few other things.”
In 2024, Djokovic will turn 37 and has noticeably decreased the number of non-major tournaments he competes in each season so he can spend time with his family.
Upon reflection, it appears that the 24-time Grand Slam champion is still divided on whether he wants to give his all to elite tennis or commit to his family and other life goals.
“I do normally always have clarity, where I want to go, what are the goals, I know the goals are Grand Slams and Olympics, but other than that I have no idea where I want to play.
"I’m still hungry, I still want to compete, I still can run for hours, thankfully, but it’s more of an emotional aspect, it’s what is the priority? Tennis has been the priority for 20+, 30 years and I don’t want to miss out on too many moments with my children.”
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